Program Background
What is Camarillo One Water?
The Camarillo One Water program is a long-term effort to modernize the City’s wastewater treatment infrastructure. The program is currently in the planning and alternatives analysis phase, during which the City is evaluating the most effective and cost-efficient approach for the future.
Why is the City doing this now?
The wastewater treatment facility—historically called the Water Reclamation Plant—has served the community for decades and is approaching the point where significant reinvestment is needed to continue operating reliably. Acting now ahead allows the City to make thoughtful decisions, pursue funding opportunities, and help protect ratepayers over the long term.
Who is leading the program?
The City of Camarillo is leading the project. The City has engaged Jacobs, a nationally recognized engineering firm selected through a competitive procurement process, to serve as Owner Advisor through the planning, design, and construction phases.
What is the Camarillo Sanitary District?
The Camarillo Sanitary District is the public agency responsible for wastewater collection and treatment. While it is a separate legal entity, the District is administered by the City of Camarillo’s Public Works Department and governed by a Board of Directors made up of the current City Council.
One Water and Water Reuse
What does “One Water” mean?
A One Water approach recognizes that all water resources are connected—wastewater, groundwater, stormwater, and drinking water. By planning for water resources together, the City can improve long-term water resilience and reliability, maximize the beneficial use of local water resources, and support a more resilient future.
What is water reuse?
Water reuse is the process of treating and recycling water so it can be put to beneficial use, such as irrigating agriculture or public lands. As part of the Camarillo One Water program, the City is evaluating opportunities to expand water reuse to make the most of local water resources, improve long-term water resilience, and help reduce reliance on limited water supplies. The Camarillo Sanitary District has already been employing water reuse strategies for many years.
Communications and Transparency
How will the City keep the community informed?
This special website will continue to serve as the primary source of program information and will be updated as the program advances. The City will also share milestone updates through Council meetings, the City’s Notify Me email list, and other community channels, including social media, CityScene newsletter, and our Community Channel on Cable TV.
How can I ask questions or provide feedback?
Residents are encouraged to submit questions or comments using the contact form on this website and to sign up for program updates through the City’s Notify Me system.
Costs and Funding
How much will Camarillo One Water cost?
The total program cost has not yet been determined. The current alternatives analysis is evaluating potential approaches to identify the preferred solution and its associated costs. The City will share anticipated costs once a preferred approach has been selected and estimates have been sufficiently validated.
How will Camarillo One Water be paid for? Will rates go up?
Customer rates are the primary mechanism to pay for Camarillo One Water. The current four-year rate structure approved by the City Council in 2025 is already helping pay for the program. Future rate increases may be necessary, but any additional changes to wastewater rates would be considered through the City’s public rate-setting process, which includes public notice, opportunities for community input, and City Council approval.
How will the program be financed?
The City is evaluating the right mix of grants, low-interest state and federal loan programs, and other financing options to help fund the program. Pursuing outside funding is an important part of the City’s strategy for managing long-term costs.
Is the City pursuing grant funding?
Yes, the City is actively pursuing grant funding to help offset program costs and reduce long-term ratepayer impact. The water reuse approach expands grant eligibility, including federal WIFIA financing and Metropolitan Water District Local Resource Planning grants.
Can other City funds be used?
No. California law requires wastewater utilities to operate as separate enterprise funds, which means wastewater services are funded separately from the City’s General Fund. So, General Fund revenues cannot be used for utilities purposes, and utility revenues cannot be used for General Fund purposes.
Program Timeline and Next Steps
When will the program be complete?
The program is currently in the planning and alternatives analysis phase, which is anticipated to be done in 2027. Design and construction will follow once a preferred approach has been selected. Building the new infrastructure will take several years, and the City will provide updated schedule information as the timeline solidifies.
Where will construction take place?
Most of the Camarillo One Water upgrades will take place on or adjacent to the existing treatment plant’s current site, located off Howard Road in the southeastern corner of the City.
Will my wastewater service be interrupted during construction?
No. Maintaining reliable wastewater service throughout the program is a top priority. Construction will be carefully planned and phased to minimize disruptions to customers while the facilities are upgraded.